Five ideas for guided tours in Norway

• Bergen

  Bergen, is rightly considered the capital of the fjords. The city is located in the Hordaland region. The whole area around Bergen is known for its breathtaking scenery and rich and diverse activities. Nestled on the waterfront, Norway’s second largest city is surrounded by seven mountains. The port of Bergen is the last remaining site of the Hanseatic League, an ancient organization of trading cities on the Baltic and North Seas. A museum is dedicated to this history near the docks of Bryggen, the emblematic place of the city with its colorful wooden houses and its fish market. The small streets will lead you to the Bergenhus fortress and its Rosenkrantz tower. Bergen is an ideal base for exploring the country’s most beautiful fjords: Noerøyfjord, Aurlandsfjorden and Sognefjorden. By taking the magnificent National Tourist Road Hardanger you can stop at your leisure in front of all the waterfalls that sublimate the landscape. There are a considerable number of waterfalls, including the spectacular Steinsdalsfossen, which is not to be missed.

• Lofoten Islands

  Close to the city of Bodø, let’s go to the Lofoten Islands archipelago north of the Arctic Circle. A mixture of rolling meadows, mountains and fjords, all dotted with typical fishing villages with their red-roofed houses. Often connected by bridges or tunnels, the most important islands such as Austvåg, Moskenes or Flakstad are easily accessible. The lovers of escape will be the first to be served and surprisingly despite its geographical situation the temperatures are not so low, and even sometimes warm in summer thanks to the Gulf Stream, this temperate oceanic current which passes not far from the islands.
  Some ideas of visits on the Lofoten Islands.
  – Kabelvag: a historical fishing village in the municipality of Vågan on the island of Austvågøya. The village has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of interesting sites, including its 12th century church, which is one of the oldest in Norway, and the Lofoten War Memorial Museum. The village is also a starting point for boat trips and bird watching.
  – Unstad Beach: located on the island of Vestvågøya about 10 kilometers northwest of the village of Borg, it is known for being a popular spot for surfers, but also its beautiful scenery, with rugged mountains, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.
  – Village of Å: a small village located on the island of Moskenesøya. It is known for its beautiful setting, and its sheltered harbor. Å is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of interesting sites, including the Lofoten Fishing Museum and a gallery displaying works by local artists.
  – Mount Hoven: This mountain is part of the municipality of Moskenes, not far from the traditional fishing village of Reine. The hike to the top of Mount Hoven will take two to three hours and will give you a splendid view of all the surrounding islands.

• Trolltunga

  The hike to the spectacular Trolltunga rock in Hordaland is an expedition that has to be earned and therefore a minimum of physical fitness is essential. Overlooking the lake of Ringedal, in the Skjeggedal region, you will reach the 1,100 m high mountain at the end of a 20 kilometer long steep hike. Depending on the starting point, it takes between seven and ten hours to walk up and down the successive trails of Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp, but what a reward at the end of the road! Although it is true, you will not be alone at the end.
  On the way back from your excursion, spend some time in the charming villages of Odda and Tyssedal, nearby.

• Geiranger Fjord

  Geirangerfjord is one of the most famous fjords in Norway and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the county of Møre og Romsdal, in the southwest of the country and begins at the edge of the municipality of Ålesund to Geiranger. The fjord is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, such as Dalsnibba and the Seven Sisters. For the best views, you should head south to Flydalsjuvet Lookout or to the end of the amazing Trollstigen road, or “troll road”. This very steep road forms a dozen twists and turns, it is the part called Eagle Road near Ørnevegen and at its northern end the Stigrøra plateau rises to almost 900 meters. To make the most of Geiranger Fjord, choose the beginning of spring, when the snow melts and the waterfalls flow more abundantly, and you will be more relaxed than in summer, when the large number of tourists makes the place less pleasant.

• Tromsø

  In the North of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, here is the city of Tromsø. It is a destination that should be favored in winter, as there are many activities during this period. Let’s mention, among others, the Northern Lights show, dog sledding or reindeer expeditions, cross-country skiing, whale and orca watching in the open sea.
  The city center of Tromsø is very pleasant because it has beautiful visits.
  Notably the Domkirke cathedrals dating from 1861 and the iconic Ishavskatedralen parish church known for its modern architecture. Just a ten-minute walk from the building, the Fjellheisen cable car takes you to the top of Mount Storsteinen where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire region. If you want to learn about the history of polar expeditions, head to the Polar Museum. Walking along the waterfront is a very pleasant walk in summer and remains so in winter if you are well covered.
  For those travelers who will be able to linger in Tromsø, we recommend beautiful excursions such as the road that will take you to the fishing village of Tromvik. The scenery is beautiful and if you are lucky, you may see herds of wild reindeer. On the island of Sommarøy, you can walk in absolute calm in the middle of a nature that we thought no longer existed.